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First Digital Mastercard®
First Digital Mastercard®
- 35.99%* Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99%* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The First Digital Mastercard® is a sleek and simple card designed for rebuilding credit. With its chrome-like appearance and full Mastercard features, you’d never guess it was available for anything less than perfect credit. Yet that’s exactly what Synovus Bank (the credit card issuer) offers with this card: a speedy approval process for a $300 credit limit, to help you take your credit to the next level.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Digital Credit Card • Checking Account Required • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit) • Build up your credit history with a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus every month. • Perfect credit not required for approval; we may approve you when others won’t. • *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details • See Cash Back Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10, or 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 1st year, $48 after*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- You have struggled to qualify for other lines of credit
- You need a credit-building card with quick and easy approval
- You don’t need to transfer or otherwise carry a balance
- You want the full benefits of a Mastercard
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
- 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Reflex Mastercard® is one of many credit cards for bad credit or no credit score at all. The card charges a variable interest rate and has a lower-than-average line of credit, though this credit line can double in six months with financial responsibility. Despite its included fees and APR, this can be an ideal card for those looking to build up their credit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- Monthly Credit Score – Sign up for electronic statements, and get your Vantage 3.0 Score Credit Score From Experian
- Initial Credit Limit of $300 – $1,000 (subject to available credit)
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- See if you’re Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Online account access 24/7
- Checking Account Required
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms
- Annual Fee: See Terms
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have poor credit or no credit and want to build up a positive credit history
- You want to double your credit line by up to $1,000 by making your first six monthly minimum payments on time
- You don’t want a secured card or to pay an initial security deposit
- You would like the option of joining a credit protection program
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- 15.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card offers an excellent rate, robust Mastercard security, and the ability to rebuild or establish credit – all in one package.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments
- Choose your own credit line - $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit
- Build your credit score.¹ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score required for approval!
- ¹ Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
- Regular Purchase APR: 15.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 24.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $49
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- You're looking to rebuild a damaged credit score
- You plan to carry a balance
- You prefer the versatility of a credit card vs. a debit card or prepaid cards
- You want the freedom to use your card virtually anywhere worldwide
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard Secured Credit Card is a solid card to have if you’ve set your sights on credit building. With no upfront credit check or history required, there’s no need to worry about hurting your score before you even get started. Instead, you can jump right in – after submitting your $200 security deposit, of course.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Choose your own credit line - $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit
- Build your credit score.¹ Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score required for approval!
- ¹ Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
- Regular Purchase APR: 25.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $29
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
- You have little to no credit history and struggle to get approved for other credit cards
- You want to establish credit history or improve your credit score
- You can submit a minimum of $200 for the security deposit
- You want a secured card with an initial credit limit of up to $2,000
- You don’t intend to carry a balance from month-to-month
SDCCU Share Secured Visa Classic
SDCCU Share Secured Visa Classic
- 15% Regular Purchase APR
- 15% Balance Transfer APR
- 15% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The SDCCU Share Secured Visa Classic credit card can help you build or repair your credit. It offers a flat, fixed APR for all transactions. Cardholders must submit a security deposit that is equal to 120% of their approved credit limit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- One low fixed APR for all transactions
- Build or repair your credit
- Security Deposit ensures you wo't spiral into debt
- Use your card just like a regular credit card
- Regular Purchase APR: 15%
- Balance Transfer APR: 15%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 15%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 2% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $20
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $10
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $20
- Minimum Deposit Required: See terms
- You have no credit or bad credit
- You don’t qualify for an unsecured card
- You deed to improve your credit report scores
- You want a single fixed-rate interest for all your transactions
- You prefer to build credit vs. using a prepaid card or debit card
- You have the funds to pay the required security deposit
BrightStar Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
BrightStar Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
- 14.99% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.99% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 14.99% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 6 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
If you need a credit card to help you fight against your debt, the BrightStar Credit Union Visa Platinum Card may pop up on your radar. It offers features like credit limits up to $50,000, no annual or balance transfer fees, and relatively low rates and fees for everything else.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 2.99% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers
- Low regular APR
- No annual fee
- No balance transfer fees
- Credit limits of up to $50,000
- Low cash advance and foreign transaction fees
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.99% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 2.99% for 12 months on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 14.99% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $1 ATM Cash Advance Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee: up to 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- You reside or work in one of the associated Florida counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach
- You want a card with low-to-no fees all around, including for foreign transactions, cash advances, and balance transfers
- You plan to open or already have a bank account with BrightStar to maximize benefits
- You have a particularly high balance to pay off and can benefit from the low regular APR and introductory rate
Amegy Bank® AmaZing Rate® Credit Card
Amegy Bank® AmaZing Rate® Credit Card
- 13.25% to 19.25% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 13.25% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 26.474% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 6 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers made in the first 12 months
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
- Low regular rate
- Savings with AmaZing Deals
- No annual fee
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 13.25% to 19.25% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 13.25% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 26.474% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $2 or 2% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- N/A
PEFCU VISA Secured Card
PEFCU VISA Secured Card
- 9.90% Regular Purchase APR
- 9.90% Balance Transfer APR
- 9.90% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Rebuilding credit is never easy. Fortunately, the PEFCU Visa Secured Credit Card makes building credit a breeze thanks to no annual fee and a fixed APR among the lowest in the nation.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Build credit with financial responsibility
- Enjoy Visa cardholder protections
- Regular Purchase APR: 9.90%
- Balance Transfer APR: 9.90%
- Cash Advance APR: 9.90%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See terms
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $20
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: See terms
- Minimum Deposit Required: See terms
- You're an existing Publix employee or qualify for PEFCU membership
- You have an imperfect credit history and need a secured card that makes carry a balance less difficult
- You can afford a minimum deposit of at least $300
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
USF Secured Visa®
USF Secured Visa®
- 14.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 14.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The USF Secured Visa® gives those with bad credit (or no credit) the financial freedom of a full-fledged credit card. Cardholders can enjoy a low, fixed-rate APR for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Digital-wallet compatible
- No penalty APR
- Travel and accident Insurance
- Travel and emergency assistance
- Auto rental insurance
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 14.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 2% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Minimum Deposit Required: $500
- You have bad credit but want a large credit limit (potentially over $10,000)
- You're unable to qualify for balance transfers due to your credit score
- You may need to carry a balance
- You need a card that’s understanding of an inconsistent financial situation
- You want a card with no annual fee
Valley Visa® Secured Card
Valley Visa® Secured Card
- 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Valley Bank Visa Secured Card is ideal for anyone who is either building or re-building their credit history and wants a simple credit card that can aid in that journey. The card has no annual fee and you can set your own credit line via a refundable security deposit.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Flat-rate purchase and balance transfer APR
- Credit limit up to $5,000
- Ability to earn interest on the security deposit
- Visa protections and perks, such as extended warranty coverage
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- You have poor or very little credit history
- You're looking for a credit-building card with no annual fee
- You want convenience in the form of a mobile app where you can keep track of your account and make payments
You've viewed 5 of 122 credit cards
What is a Bad Credit Score?
According to statistics from Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, 16% of Americans suffer from a bad credit score. Bad credit causes serious financial harm, making it tough to get a mortgage, car loan, or the best credit cards.
But what is bad credit, and what causes it?
Bad credit refers to a low credit score resulting from a history of missed payments, late payments, bankruptcy, or other negative financial events. A bad or deep-subprime credit score may also indicate a limited credit history. This credit rating indicates to lenders that you may be a higher-risk borrower, which could lead to difficulty obtaining credit at favorable terms, such as loans, mortgages, or credit cards.
On the FICO Score scale, a bad credit score falls within the range of 300 to 579, while on the VantageScore scale, it ranges from 300 to 499.
How Can Bad Credit Impact Your Life?
Here are some ways bad credit can cause problems in your everyday life.
Renting an Apartment
One of the biggest impacts of a bad credit score is the difficulty in finding an apartment to rent. Renting a home or apartment typically involves a credit check, which helps landlords assess the risk posed by potential tenants. A bad credit score, including a history of late payments, can prevent you from securing a new place to live.
Insurance and Bills
Bad credit also makes it more challenging to pay bills and obtain insurance. Utility companies may be hesitant to accept you as a customer if you have a poor credit score, often requiring a deposit before providing services such as electricity, gas, or water.
Similarly, insurance companies consider your credit when determining your insurance premiums. Bad credit is associated with higher insurance costs, particularly with auto insurance, as insurers believe individuals with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims.
Employment
Statistics show up to 70% of employers conduct credit checks during hiring. Companies use these checks to evaluate potential hires’ responsibility levels. While bad credit doesn’t necessarily indicate unreliability, employers may view it as a red flag and choose another candidate instead.
Relationships
A bad credit score can indirectly create problems in your personal life. The inability to secure a mortgage, rent an apartment, or obtain a car loan can strain family and personal relationships. Constant calls from bill collectors or collection agencies can also cause issues at home.
What Causes Bad Credit?
Bad credit can result from any number of situations and circumstances. The most common cause of a poor credit score is a history of late or missed payments, which reflects poorly on your creditworthiness. Another cause is excessive debt, where your credit utilization ratio is high, indicating that you have borrowed a significant portion of your available credit. Additionally, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and collections can all contribute to bad credit. Understanding these factors is essential so you can effectively address them.
How to Improve Your Credit
Bad credit has serious ramifications in everyday life. Fortunately, there is something you can do – here are some of our top tips for improving your credit score:
① Check your credit score | The first thing you should do is check your credit score to see where you stand. You might already know your credit score is bad, but how far down on the scale, does it go? Knowing how fast you can improve your credit from “bad” to “fair” is crucial to making a financial plan of attack. |
② Get a credit card for subprime credit | Part of boosting your credit score is increasing your use of credit. For those with bad credit, this may seem counter-intuitive. Fortunately, there are many unsecured credit cards for poor credit and secured cards that can help you repair your credit score. |
③ Pay on time each month | As seen in the scoring models, payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Because payment history is so important, paying your credit card bill on time each month is essential to boosting sub-prime credit. Missed payments stay on a credit report for seven years. |
④ Keep your credit use low | Credit utilization is as important as paying on time. Credit utilization shows lenders how you use your credit. Those who keep their credit use below 30% can expect their score to improve, while those who use less than 10% can expect a much faster score rise. |
Tips for Managing and Paying Off Debt
Managing and paying off debt is crucial for improving your financial health. Start by creating a realistic budget that allocates funds toward debt repayment. To tackle your debts effectively, consider the snowball or avalanche method.
- Snowball method: Pay off your smallest debt first and then move on to the next, creating a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
- Avalanche method: Prioritize debts with the highest interest rates to save money on interest payments.
Whichever method you choose, allocate as much money as possible towards monthly debt repayment.
Credit Counseling and Debt Consolidation Options
If you find yourself overwhelmed by debt and unable to make progress independently, consider seeking professional help. Credit counseling agencies can provide guidance and support in managing your finances and developing a plan to pay off your debts. They can also negotiate with creditors on your behalf to establish new repayment terms.
Debt consolidation is another option worth exploring. This involves combining multiple debts into one loan or credit card with a lower interest rate, making it easier to manage your payments and save money.
Conclusion
Bad credit can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can rebuild your credit and move towards a brighter financial future. Understanding the causes of bad credit, checking your credit score and report regularly, and implementing practical steps to improve your credit will set you on the path to financial success. Remember, it takes time and discipline, but the effort is worth it.
Check out more
Sub-Prime & Secured Credit Cards
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.